Ex-Google Maps, Siri Executives Back $59 Million European Fund for Industry-Specific AI

A new European venture capital fund backed by former executives from tech giants like Google and Apple is seeking to raise up to €50 million ($58.7 million). The fund, called Seaya Ventures, will focus on investing in startups in northern Europe that are developing industry-specific AI applications. The fund is led by Beatriz González, a former Google Maps executive, and Pieter Welten, who previously worked on Apple's Siri team. Seaya Ventures plans to target startups in sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, providing them with seed and Series A funding. The founders believe that industry-focused AI solutions have significant potential in the European market, where there is a growing demand for tailored, enterprise-level AI technologies. By leveraging the expertise of its founders, the fund aims to support the development of these specialized AI applications and help European startups expand their reach.